Ask-A-Linguist Message Details

Subject:

Technical term for a crutch word?

Question:

I was wondering if there is a term in linguistics for the following: whenever a non-
native speaker begins acquiring another language, they often repeat a simple
transitional phrase or word in this non-native language when they are flustered,
nervous or are still cross-translating into their native language.
For example, I often use ''that is to say'' or ''就是说'' unconsciously when I'm struggling
to explain myself. And I've noticed that many other non-native speakers will repeat
phrases like ''the point is''; ''how to say''; ''Indeed''; or ''so on and so forth'' several times
while they formulate responses (in English).
Is there a term in linguistics that describes this pattern?
Thanks!